In an Art classroom, should I play the radio or play classical/instrumental music while students are working?

Question

Is it inappropriate to listen to a radio station?

Answer 1

I, myself, play a variety of music. I never let the students choose because to some it becomes a contest, that the teacher has favorites or they can't work because it isn't their type of music. I solve this by making mixed cd's.

I never play the radio because you never know what the DJ's will talk about on any given day and it is harder to screen music for inappropriate lyrics and meanings.

My mixed CD's have consisted of classical, musicals, big band, instrumental, rock both from the past and some present songs. I also found a lot of christian rock will work. My students know it is just background noise and don't necessarily pay attention to the true meaning of the songs. They just listen to the rhythm.

Mixed CD's give me the power of screening the music yet to provide a variety so that one genre is favored over another.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

I want to be a teacher someday. One of my favorite classes was art class. I think that if you put it to a vote, you would know the answer. i would try the classical music first and put it just loud enough to hear and see how everyone reacts with it on, the vise versa with the other. I personally work well with noise while drawing. Trying to study is a different matter. I don't think that it is inappropriate at all to listen to the radio station as long as it isn't too distracting and language wise inappropriate. It also depends on what grade you are teaching, to determine personally what should be played. Elementary: Classical/Middle School: Both/High school: Radio.

Answer 3

I use classical in elementary school, they seem to complain less about it. High School and Middle Level kids want to listen to current popular music and with the way things aren't bleeped on the radio all the time that doesn't always work well. The school district I worked in limited what the kids could listen to (ie-teachers should not play certain radio stations for fear of inappropriate lyrics). Check with your dept head for the district guidelines.

Answer 4

I think that would be great! A CD of classical music, rather than radio, would be a nice mood-enhancing atmosphere, it would seem. Also some jazz, some big band, some international music. Or maybe those nature ones. Just depends on what the project is. As an artist myself, I have to have some thing on, whether tv or music or now I am hooked on my audiobooks!

Answer 5

I have read scientific studies that suggest classical music may encourage more right-brain thinking which would be desirable in a
creative setting. Further, classical music is neutral and doesn't "inspire" the artist to take a silly direction in the piece he/she is working on. Try baroque or chamber music.

Answer 6

Nope, listen to the music that most inspires you. After you ask your fellow classmates if its ok. If the majority don't mind and some do, then turn it down so only you can hear it. Better yet, plug in some head phones and roll with the station!
Good Luck!

Answer 7

It my be inappropriate because most songs are vulgar on the popular music channels. Maybe you should take a poll in the class before you decide.

Answer 8

I would play classical music because you can evoke feelings, moods, and visualizations with music that has no words. I think it encourages greater creativity in the student.

Answer 9

My art teacher always play classical music in class. We all find it kind of soothing

Answer 10

first if in christian/ctholic definetely not the radio but they might let you play classi/instrumental its a 35% it depends on how you say it definite not if the teachers are strict but just tell them its not person,and werec not worrying about the person we get inspired by the togetherness of string,wind,and percussion hope this works!!!!!!!!!!^^